Zelensky Urges US to Resist Russian Pressure on Sanctions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed hope that the United States will remain steadfast against Russian demands to lift sanctions in exchange for a ceasefire in the Black Sea.

Moscow announced on Tuesday that a maritime truce, intended to facilitate safe passage for commercial vessels, would only take effect once Western restrictions on Russia’s food and fertilizer trade were lifted.

Speaking in Paris during a panel interview with European journalists, Zelensky responded to a BBC question about whether the US would withstand Russian pressure, stating, "I hope so. God bless, they will. But we'll see."

Zelensky Warns Against Russian Influence as Ceasefire Talks Continue

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the United States to remain firm against Russian pressure as ceasefire discussions in the Black Sea unfold.

The White House announced on Tuesday that Russian and Ukrainian delegations had agreed to a ceasefire following separate negotiations with American officials in Saudi Arabia. However, just hours later, the Kremlin issued its own statement outlining conditions, including the lifting of Western sanctions on financial institutions involved in agricultural trade and restoring their access to the Swift international payment system.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington was "looking at" Moscow's request to remove restrictions. In contrast, the European Union firmly rejected any sanction relief without Russia’s "unconditional" withdrawal from Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory.

Speaking in Paris, Zelensky expressed gratitude for bipartisan U.S. support but voiced concerns that some individuals were "under the influence of Russian narratives." He emphasized, "We can't agree to those narratives."

When asked whether Trump had a closer relationship with him or Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky responded, "I don't know—it's difficult for me to say."

Regarding remarks from Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, who dismissed Europe's efforts to build a "coalition of the willing" to support Ukraine, Zelensky refrained from drawing quick conclusions but noted that Witkoff lacked relevant experience.

"As far as I know, he knows very well how to buy and sell real estate, but that's somewhat different," Zelensky remarked, adding that Europe had significantly strengthened itself over the course of the war.

Zelensky: My Goal Is to Defend Ukraine, Not Shape History

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that his priority is to protect his country rather than concern himself with how history will remember him.

When asked by the BBC whether he would be seen as the man who saved Ukraine or the one who let it fall, Zelensky responded, "I don't know what history books will write about me. It's not my purpose or goal." Instead, he emphasized his focus on ensuring his children can walk freely in their homeland without fear.

"I will do everything I can until the end of my days to defend Ukraine as much as I can," he added.

On Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, Zelensky argued that his "battle-hardened" nation would strengthen the alliance, though he acknowledged that the Trump administration had ruled out Kyiv’s entry.

The interview followed a meeting between Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, where the Eiffel Tower was illuminated in Ukraine’s national colors in his honor. His visit to Europe aims to rally allies and push them to take Russia’s threat more seriously—especially as uncertainty grows over continued American military support.

European leaders, now recognizing they cannot solely rely on the U.S., are scrambling to step up their military commitments. Zelensky’s challenge is securing concrete financial and military aid rather than just symbolic gestures.

His meeting with Macron has already delivered results, with France announcing a new €2 billion ($2.2 billion) military aid package for Ukraine. Macron also rejected Russia's demands to lift sanctions, stating that Moscow "cannot dictate the conditions" for peace.

The discussions will continue at a summit in Paris on Thursday, co-hosted by Macron and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, as part of a "coalition of the willing" aiming to solidify European support for Ukraine. The U.S. is not part of the coalition, highlighting Europe’s growing realization that it may need to take greater responsibility for Ukraine’s defense.

Starmer is expected to reaffirm Europe's commitment, stating, "Europe is stepping up to play its part to defend Ukraine's future. Now Putin needs to show he's willing to play ball."

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